The most prominent and attractive mountain ranges in Central Otage are the relatively high St Bathans Range, Hawkdun Range, Ida Range, and Kakanui Mountains. These ranges run roughly from the north end of the Manuherikia Valley and curve to the south of the Maniototo. In winter, the snow line falls just a bit short of the valley and plains, providing some amazing photos as you tour the region.
Touring towards St Bathans, then on the metal roads east of Naseby down to Kyeburn, will give you the best views. From there, you can head back to Dunedin via Palmerston South along the edge of the Kakanuis or via the Taieri Plain and Middlemarch, with the Rock and Pillar on the right.
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